Puppy theft devastating for family

Buy photos » Bulldog puppy Charley was stolen during a burglary at a home in Cawston. Owner Paul Tolin said the family were 'very upset' about it. (s)

BURGLARS who smashed their way into a house and stole a 12-week-old puppy have left a family devastated.

Kelly Tolin arrived home with her six-year-old son and his cousins last Wednesday (October 24) afternoon to find thieves had smashed their way in through the back with crowbars.

After searching the house she realised their new bulldog puppy, Charley, had been taken just three weeks after they first took her home to Cresswell Place in Cawston.

Thousands of pounds worth of electrical items and Christmas presents were also taken during the daylight raid.

Husband Paul Tolin said he was working away when his wife called to tell him she had found their back window smashed and their puppy stolen.

He said: "We're not too good at the moment. We're all very upset about it.

"My wife is finding it quite hard to come to terms with, not just losing the dog but also the fact burglars have been in our house."

The couple had talked about getting a dog for years, with Mr Tolin buying Charley for £2,000 as a birthday present for his wife.

"Having not had her very long, we didn't have time to get too attached, but it still hurts," he said.

"We think we were targeted and a lot of people agree, but the police don't think we were and have told us not to take it personally.

"This year we'd finally got some of our Christmas shopping done early, and that was taken too. We're kicking ourselves for buying it now."

A Twitter campaign launched by Mr Tolin to appeal for information is gathering momentum and has gained backing from celebrities including Julian Clary.

And a £1,000 reward is being offered to anyone who returns Charley safely and gives the names of the people responsible for the burglary.

Warwickshire Police is investigating the theft and confirmed the dog is microchipped.

According to the Kennel Club, while dog theft is not particularly common, desirable breeds are sometimes stolen because of their value.

Anyone with information about the burglary or Charley should call Paul Tolin on 07917 733674 or contact Warwickshire Police.

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